Programming Long addresses With EZ Command

[freescopesdad]

I was given an HO set last year with the EZ Command control center. I used it only for around the Christmas tree. My primary layout is Digitrax n scale and Kato Unitrack. I want to use the EZ Command for a small n scale layout this year, again around the tree. But it seems from your literature that I will be forced to reprogram any locomotives that I use with short addresses only (2-9). If this is true I'll have to look elsewhere for a DCC controller, but I was hoping to use the Bachmann if possible.

so what is the story on long addresses? and will the locomotives, which all have sound decoders installed, be able to address those sounds?
Ron

[trainman203]

EZ command is a beginners module for toy train and Christmas tree operations, the DCC equivalent of the old toy train transformer, training wheels of sorts that you should leave behind once you aspire to any serious operation. The good news is that you can keep it to power accessories. There's nothing really wrong with it other than that it's limited.  I used one for a couple of years before I finally got to where I wanted to more finely tune my locomotive CVs.

Any advanced DCC system is capable of handling long addresses. Which is the only sensible approach. Your locomotive address can be the actual road number of the locomotive.

There are less expensive DCC options that are more advanced than the EZ command, such as the N C E Powercab, that can not only handle longer addresses, but also allow you to change and control your CVs as well.

[freescopesdad]

So is that actually a no that it cannot handle long addresses? You kind of danced around it. I know it is a rudimentary system, I was just hoping I could run 1 locomotive on it without having to reprogram. I have an old unused digitrax zephyr, i was just trying to make things easier for my 3 yo granddaughter.

[trainman203]

My EZ command could only take addresses "1" through "10".  Bachmann has just introduced an upgraded EZ command that might accept higher address numbers.  But the older one you have will only take 1 through 10.

So yes, to use your present EZ command to run your present engines, any engine addressed above 10 must be changed to something between 1 and 10.

Again, I would say, invest in a more advanced but still basic system.  Or, dedicate one engine with an address suited to the EZ command to the Christmas operation.  You already have a Digitraxx throttle.  Get their basic system and you can use the throttle for the Christmas train.

[Yard Master]

The E-Z Command Plus still can only be programmed with short addresses. Do keep in mind that a locomotive's address you set on the E-Z Command will also carry over to other DCC systems such as Digitrax. So a locomotive programmed on address 1 carries over to Digitrax as address 001. This way you will not need to reprogram when switching between the two systems. But the short answer is no, E-Z Command does not support long addresses, and a locomotive programmed with a long address will need to be reprogrammed to control it with the E-Z Command.

[Len]

One nice thing about the NCE Power Cab 'trainman' mentioned is the available add on throttle is identical to the original throttle. So there is no learning curve for a different button layout you run into with certain other systems.

Len

[roybrownson]

But the EZ Command will be much easier for your young granddaughter to use. Also since it was given to you for free if she accidentally brakes it. Your more complicated and expensive controllers won't have a chance to get damaged or broken by your young grandkids. Roy B. In Utah,USA

[trainman203]

Yes, EZ command is specifically designed to make the world of DCC largely available to train set level users.  And it does a good job with that. But that's what it is and all it is, an accessory to a train set with limited features to keep the cost of the complexity down.  Some people never get past it. Others want to move on and get the rest of the features available in Advanced systems.  It took me about a year to do that, but I never looked back.

[Ralph S]

This brings up a question.  The Bachmann (Model 36508) EZ Command Dynamis Wireless DCC System can handle multiple addresses?  That is, be programmed with long addresses?  Also the Dynamis also can program/control the multiple CV's like other manufacturers.

Inquiring minds would like to know are there any Dynamis users out there?

[jward]

This brings up a question.  The Bachmann (Model 36508) EZ Command Dynamis Wireless DCC System can handle multiple addresses?  That is, be programmed with long addresses?  Also the Dynamis also can program/control the multiple CV's like other manufacturers.

Inquiring minds would like to know are there any Dynamis users out there?

I believe the answer is yes to both questions.

[trainman203]

Ok. No dancing.  EZ command can't support addresses above 9, or maybe 10, can't remember.  It can't modify control values (CV's).  It can't perform functions above 0.

None of these are negatives when EZ command is viewed in the light of what it's intended to be - the DCC version of the old transformers that came with the AC train sets of decades ago or the power packs that came with HO train sets in more recent times. It lets you stop and start the train, blow the whistle, ring the bell and work another sound or two, just very basic sounds much fewer than real trains really make, but enough to satisfy someone's interest that doesn't go beyond basic train set play.

If you want more than that, you have to get a more advanced DCC system.  I have to say that DCC really intimidated me at first.  I bought a full-blown system and left it in the box for a year, reluctant to fool with it.  Then, I finally opened it up and read the instructions for setting up and they gave the best advice I ever got for that stuff.  Which was to first set the new DCC up to just a loop of track separate from the layout and use that to learn for a couple of weeks before you change your layout over to DCC.  I did that, Changed a couple of CVs like the Whistle.  And a whole new wonderful universe opened up.  Never looked back, gave the EZ command to a kid who was just starting, that was the best thing to do with it.  That was maybe 15 years ago now.  I would not call myself a DCC guru, but I probably know how to set up a DCC steam locomotive better than anyone in the immediate Gulf coast area.  There's nothing like it. 

The big thing now is Bluetooth Control from your phone instead of a handheld cab.  I'm receiving five locomotives today in the mail that had such decoders installed by a professional. The next week is going to be spent getting up to speed with that. One advantage to of Bluetooth control is that you don't need a cab to run the engine, you can run your engine on anyone's DC layout using your iPhone as the cab. Regardless of the brand of the system, your phone will run the train, You don't need to bring your own cab with you.  Another advantage which I'm aware of, but need to learn how to manipulate, is extremely simplified Control of CV Modification.

But like an old man I digress. If you are at the point that you want longer extended addresses, You need to move on from EZ command.

[Tenwheeler01]

trainman203,
   
         You bring up a good point about the Bluetooth controlled locomotive.  They will work with any DCC or DC layout. If you are just running locomotive and Have a DC of starter DCC system why buy an advanced DCC system. Just go with Bluetooth controlled locomotives.
       
         The only problem I have ran into with may Bluetooth controlled loco was may finger and the touch screen are not always compatible.  have had a few run away trains.  It would be nice if one or some of the manufactures would make a Bluetooth throttle with a speed control knob.       

[Ralph S]

I believe the answer is yes to both questions.

I got that much, but what some of us ole Bachmann users would like to hear is, "Does the Dynamis user(s) consider this system worth its weight in gold, per say?"   U-tube on the Dynamis doesn't provide any incentives, from my point of view, with the exception that it does what those who have the "upgraded, or professional level, or the anti-knob systems have".

If you want more than that, you have to get a more advanced DCC system.

Being the person that I am, I really like the basic system, it performs quite well, in that, all the extras do not seem to enhance by desires.  The little kids (and maybe one day my grandkids) really enjoy the simpleness of EZ command.  What I do have interest in, is the "Dynamis" and maybe its because it's directly compatible with the existing EZ command, or just that I may have an affection for Bachmann.   But what I do not understand is that my friends and even ones on this forum are pushing a change to the (what most call) "more advance" systems.
I comment on this same issue in Topic forum "Converting to DCC"
Performing a search on "Dynamis" on this forum provided some information.  According to topics in 2007, the Dynamis was introduced in Europe first, then sometime later introduced in the US.   The forum topics regarding Dynamis stopped in 2016. 

My curiosity may kill the cat, but why noone seems to support the Bachmann Dynamis system gives my that "why"?

There will be a continuation of this Dynamis discussion in a new forum topic.

 

[Tenwheeler01]

   Most of the DCC systems available I would call then "standard" DCC systems.   EZ command is a non-standard DCC system. It has most of the feature that a standard DCC system has striped out of it.   Dynamis is a "standard" DCC system.  Most of the DCC system manufactures also offer different level of there systems.  This is usually based on the usage/Layout size, Light to heavy (how many locomotives, throttles, Etc it can handle simultaneously).    This is just another way to look at the differences.

   I sent about a year doing DCC research before deciding which system to go with.  My decision was based on future layout expansion plains (Turnout control, block detection with signaling, and some automation with JMRI.)       

[trainman203]

If you like playing with a train, a limited function system is fine.

If you really want to more closely approximate real railroad operations, you need more.

I don't think it can be put more simply than that.